Team is gearing up for charity challenge

A group of keen fundraisers will embark on a charity cycle at the weekend to raise much needed funds for charity.

The team, made up of Craig Shaw, Nicola Lawrenson, Elaine Johnston, Gary Johnston will cycle from Manchester to Blackpool on Sunday.

They are raising funds for a charity called Arc - Antenatal Results And Choices.

Craig, 36, from Bamber Bridge said the team is raising money for ARC because of the help it provided to him and fiancée Elaine.

ARC provides information about antenatal testing and supports parents and their families when an abnormality is discovered in their much wanted baby. ARC is a lifeline for expectant and bereaved parents.

Craig said 12 months ago the charity was there for him and Elaine and they want to do something to ensure it exists for many years to come and is able to help others.

The group has already smashed its fundraising target after holding a charity night to help boost the coffers.

The fundraiser they held at School Lane Club in Bamber Bridge was a huge success and event saw Craig have his legs waxed for the cause.

So far they have raised £2,600 through sponsorship and donations.

They are keen to raise as much money as possible.

Craig said the charity event was “phenomenal” and said he chose the charity because it has meaning to the couple.

He said: “I wanted to do it for something I wanted to do it for, something that had meaning.

“It was a leaflet from the charity that I found relief through - if that money makes 250 new leaflets then happy days.”

To sponsor the team visit: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/craigsteam on the page there are individual fundraising pages for the four members of the group.

To find out more about the charity and the help it offers visit: http://www.arc-uk.org/